WWE Global Ambassador Titus O’Neil Confirmed As 2020 WWE Hall Of Fame ‘Warrior Award’ Recipient
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Titus O’Neil is receiving some Worldwide recognition for his charitable efforts by being named as the 2020 WWE Hall Of Fame Warrior Award recipient. WWE confirmed the news on Monday with a press release (below) revealing O’Neil as the 2020 honoree:
WWE today announced that WWE Global Ambassador Titus O’Neil been named the recipient of the 2020 Warrior Award. Named after WWE Hall of Famer The Ultimate Warrior®, The Warrior Award is presented to an individual who has exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance and who lives life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of The Ultimate Warrior.
Titus O’Neil is one of the most philanthropic Superstars in WWE history. A fixture in the Tampa Bay community and passionate about giving back to families in need, O’Neil founded The Bullard Family Foundation, an organization that provides families and children in need with special moments, programs, and resources to help build character, develop relationships, and strengthen communities around them. In addition, O’Neil is an Ambassador for WWE helping thousands of individuals through various nonprofits and WWE partners including Susan G. Komen, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Special Olympics. His passion for community and uplifting others inspired him to write his first book, “There’s No Such Thing as a Bad Kid: How I Went from Stereotype to Prototype” in 2019. O’Neil is a Tampa Bay native and graduated from the University of Florida where he was a standout football player for the Gators.
“Titus is a dedicated father, humanitarian and WWE Global Ambassador. His unwavering passion to help others in need is simply unmatched,” said Stephanie McMahon, WWE Chief Brand Officer. “Although he does not seek recognition, I am thrilled that his work will be spotlighted to WWE fans around the world.”
The Warrior Award presentation will be part of the WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, airing tomorrow, April 6 at 8 PM ET exclusively on Peacock in the U.S. and on WWE Network everywhere else.
Titus has since commented on the announcement, posting the following:
Humbled and Honored THANK YOU @WWE https://t.co/BzMXrNVPkb
— Titus O'Neil (@TitusONeilWWE) April 5, 2021
O’Neil has also been named as co-host of WrestleMania 37 along with Hulk Hogan.
Related: Hulk Hogan And Titus O’Neil Will Host WrestleMania 37
WrestleZone included O’Neil in our annual Best For The Business feature, a celebration of the people in the wrestling business that have made the “one true sport” a little better this year. This year was a completely different year that no one expected, and so much has radically changed in the past twelve months and still does each day in 2020.
“Best For The Business” is Wrestlezone’s look back at some of the most influential people, promotions and brands that changed the wrestling business in a positive way in the past year. Check out O’Neil’s entry, and the full list of nominees (as well as related interviews with them) below:
Titus O’Neil does his greatest work outside of the ring, not in it. The longtime WWE Superstar has used his position to make a positive impact on people around the world, including those in his community in Tampa.
From gifting a new car to a middle school cafeteria worker for Christmas to hosting upscale dinners for teachers to donating more than $100,000 to charity, Titus works to help at-risk populations and provide them with some relief and opportunities. Through his Bullard Family Foundation charity, O’Neil has worked with a number of local and national charities, including Metropolitan Ministries, Boys & Girls Club of America, the Susan G. Komen Foundation and Florida Sheriff Youths Ranches, an organization that he credits for helping to get him out of trouble and set him on the right path.
Titus was a finalist for the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award earlier this year, and he recently told Pro Wrestling Sheet that fans can expect to see more of him on WWE TV in the new year. Noting that he didn’t want to get into too much detail, Titus says he looks forward to 2021 being a really good year for him.
Related: Best For The Business 2020: Pro Wrestling’s Most Influential People, Promotions and Brands